Colt .45 M-1911 A1-67 Pistol Denix Replica

Colt .45 M-1911 A1-67 Replica Pistol

A full size solid all metal Denix replica of the famed 1911 Colt M-1911 A1-67 Auto Loading Pistol from the U.S. With working slide action and magazine black finished with chequered grips.

Cost £89 in early 2000's from Battleorders.com

The M1911 is a single-action, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, recoil-operated pistol chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge,which served as the standard-issue sidearm for the United States Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985. It was first used in later stages of the Philippine-American War, and was widely used in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Overall this is a very nice reproduction, well built, but cheap too, full working action, feels and looks just like the real thing.

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Tags : Colt .45, ACP, 1911, M-1911 A1-67, U.S.A, Auto Loading, Pistol, replica, reproduction, copy, single action, gun, firearm, army,

Crosman 2240 vs HW45 Comparison Video

Crosman 2240 and HW45 Comparison Video -

A test and comparison of the .22 Crosman 2240 co2 pistol and the .22 HW 45 Weihrauch Spring Piston Pistol.

Tests include Size, Weight, Accuracy, Noise, Penetration and Recoil.

GUN DETAILS : 

HW45 -

Overall Length - 11.0"
Barrel Length - 6.7"
Rifling - 12 grooves
Calibers Available - .177, .20, .22
Weight - 2 lbs 8.8 oz
Rear Sight - adjustable for elevation and windage
Sight Radius - 9.38"
Scope Groove - 5.1" of usable length
Grip - Walnut
Safety - manual lever type
Price around £170+

Crosman 2240 -

Length - 11.13"
Model - 2240
Type - Bolt action single shot
CO2 Powered
Caliber - .22
Velocity - 460 fps
Weight - 1.8lbs
Sights - Front fixed, rear adjustable for windage and elevation
Scope mount via barrel clamp mount
or aftermarket grooved receiver
Stock - Black molded plastic
Safety - Manual crossbolt
Trigger Single stage non-adjustable
Retail price around £100

Results are in the video - all I can say is both guns are well worth owning and each has its pros and cons over the other gun.

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tags : Guns, air guns, air pistols, co2, spring, HW45, Crosman 2240, review, tests, comparisons, overview, video, testing,

WeaponCollector's Homemade Pump Action Crossbow

WeaponCollector's Homemade Pump Action Crossbow - A 90% Homemade Pump Action Crossbow, the only things that were not  made were the prod and string, which is a bought pistol prod and string.


Made in July of 2011, it took about 15hrs work spread over a period of about 2 weeks, virtually entirely hand made, with a drill being the only power tool used.

Made using 12mm Plywood, some 2mm Aluminium, some 10mm , and 5mm aluminium, plus various screw, bolts, glue and a few springs.

The way this crossbow was made is also one of the most simple ways they can be done, its doesn't need a lot of tools or skill using the method I use.

This is a fully working model, although the pump doesn't really work due to the quality of the groove for the pump handle, its single shot only, shoots standard 6" pistols bolts.

Draw weight is approx 80lbs, which is about as powerful as you can get for a pistol, makes for a fun crossbow.

It has a reasonably hard trigger pull, which is compensated for by have a large trigger made for two fingers.
Trigger pull is usually quite hard for this kind of trigger mechanism, due to the way its made however you soon get used to it after shooting a few times.

After finishing the Crossbow I tested it and after quite a lot of few adjustments it eventually fired o.k,
to be honest though it is normal to have to make quite a few adjustments when making homemade crossbows of this kind.

I have also filmed the entire "Making of a Pump Action  Crossbow" series for this crossbow which can be viewed either on my blog, or on my Youtube channel - WeaponCollector - There is a total of 10+ "making of" videos in the series.

Video of this Crossbow being shot and tested - COMING SOON
Overall a great project to make, simple and easy, and I think most people should be able to make something similar.

Dimensions : Full length - 15" , Width - 1.5" , Prod width - 17" , Height - 8" , Draw Length is 6".

I hope you liked my Pump Action Crossbow, Feel free to comment and let me know what you think.


Tags : how to make a pump action pistol crossbow parts materials full tutorial simple easy to follow instructions homemade handmade bluprints blueprints howto instructables DIY Making cross prod bow home weaponcollector Crossbow homemade trigger mechanism stock thumb hole building xbow craft from dusk till dawn

Homemade Carbine Crossbow

Homemade Carbine Crossbow -  A 100% homemade crossbow, the only thing that wasn't made was the string, which is a bought pistol string.
Made in May and June of 2011, it took about 20hrs work spread over a period of about 2-3 week, virtually entirely hand made, with a drill being the only power tool used.

Made using 12mm Plywood, some 2mm Aluminium, some 1" aluminium and 5mm Aluminium, plus various screw, bolts, glue and a few springs.
The way this crossbow was made is also one of the most simple ways they can be done, its doesn't need a lot of tools or skill using the method I use.
This is a fully working model, single shot only, shoots standard 6" pistols bolts or homemade 10" rifle bolts.
Draw weight is approx 40 - 50lbs, which isn't that powerful but still makes for a fun crossbow.

It has a reasonably hard  trigger pull, but that's normal for this kind of trigger mechanism, and you soon get used to it after shooting a few times.

After finishing the Crossbow I tested it and it fired perfectly after a few adjustments, with the1" nut design you can add a groove for the bolt so that the bolt is actually touching the string, this means you are a lot less likely to get any misfires.

The prod is also 100% homemade and can be removed at any time and swapped for virtually any size prod by using various inserts, you can find a blog entry showing how to make a Crossbow Prod HERE

I have also filmed the entire "Making of a Carbine Crossbow"series for this crossbow which can be viewed either on my blog, or on my Youtube channel - WeaponCollector - There is a total of 6 "making of" videos in the series, the last video features a myself showing the crossbow being fired into various targets.

For a video of this Crossbow being shot and tested click HERE

Overall a great project to make, simple and easy, and I think most people should be able to make something similar.

Dimensions : Full length - 26" , Width - 2" , Prod width - 17" , Height - 6.5" , Draw Length is 7".
I hope you liked my Carbine Crossbow, Feel free to comment and let me know what you think.


Crossbow tags - Homemade Crossbow cross bow crossbow xbow howto how to make a DIY

WeaponCollector's Home Made Wrist Crossbow

WeaponCollector's Wrist Crossbow - A full working wrist crossbow, also known as a Arm or Forearm Mounted Crossbow, Wrist Bow or Armbow.
Similar to the one used in Mad Max 2 : The Road Warrior, Used by the character Wez.
This is a fully working model, single shot only, shoots standard 6" pistols bolts and the draw weight is 50lbs
This is the Mark 1 Wrist Crossbow, this version features no cocking mechanism and therefore has to be removed to be cocked, I have tried cocking it with my left hand using two fingers and its just too hard.

Mark 2 version (coming soon) will have a cocking mechanism for the left hand meaning the crossbow won't need to be taken off to be cocked.
Version 1 would have had the cocking mechanism, but because the mechanism wasn't on the original designs I drew up I couldn't fit it on to the crossbow.
It has a reasonably light trigger pull and can be fire by either tilting your hand down while holding the handle at the front or by using the back trigger, (the back trigger was designed as a aid to shooting if the trigger pull was very hard, however it is not, so its not really needed).
Accuracy is low due to the fact you can't really aim it, you just point and shoot, you may be able to become proficient at shooting it after a lot of practice though.
Features include double straps to hold it to your arm, aluminium arm guard, double trigger, 50lb prod which is easily removed.
It took about 14hrs to make that was spread across two working days, it is mainly made from wood and aluminium and some screws and was made using very basic tool with the only power tool being a drill.

Dimensions : Length of arm guard - 10.5" ,  Full length - 13" ,  Arm guard width - 4.5" , Prod width - 17" , Height - 5.5" , Draw Length is 5".
 
Wrist Crossbow tags - wrist bow wrist cross bow arm crossbow mounted forearm weapon.

For a full demo please watch the video below 


Please leave a comment below letting me know what you think! Thanks.

Weihrauch HW45 .22 Air Pistol Review

Weihrauch HW45 .22 Air Pistol Review
Appearance:
The HW45 is loosely based on the looks of a Colt 1911A1 pistol. From the slide rails down, it has almost exactly matched the dimensions of the full-bore pistol; even the cut chequered walnut grip plates can be replaced by anything that is marketed for the 1911. Both the front & rear areas of the grip-frame are deeply grooved to prevent your hand from twisting around the grip. It should be noted that there is no grip safety. On the HW45, the "slide" is far bigger than is found on any Colt clone, it looks more like the size of an IMI Desert Eagle. The HW45 is made from an aluminium alloy that helps to keep the weight manageable & is finished in an excellent satin black coating that refuses to wear off, despite plenty of handling. The sights consist of a square post foresight & a notch rearsight that is micro adjustable for windage & elevation. The sight picture is nice & deep, but the rearsight notch is a little too narrow. The pistol has a dovetail groove for the fitting of an optical or red-dot sight.

Loading & Firing
You first thumb the "hammer" back a few degrees to release the top lever/barrel assembly. It is best to use your other hand to prevent the assembly from chattering in its released state as it bounces up & down for a while. Then pull the lever/barrel assembly in an arc, forward of the pistol until the sear engages. The .177" version has 2 sears to permit 2 power levels. Load a pellet directly into the barrel breach. Return the lever assembly to the firing position. Pressure on the trigger will now fire the pistol.

Safety
There is an ambidextrous radial lever mounted behind the trigger that blocks the trigger from moving. It is convenient for both your thumb & trigger finger to operate. There is an anti-bear trap device that prevents you from discharging the pistol if the lever/barrel assembly is not in the firing position.

Performance
Velocity (fps) : 350 - 420 depending on pellet type.
Muzzle energy (ft/lbs) : 3.8 - 5.5 depending on pellet type

Additional notes
The HW45 is sensitive to changes in grip hold. Any variation in your hold will result in changes of where your shots will impact. The low power setting on the .177" version will produce group impacts considerably higher than when set on full power. There is a shoulder stock available for the HW45/P1 Magnum. If this is to be used, you will also need to fit an optical or red-dot sight, as the rearsight notch is not suitable for close eye relief.

Technical Data
Weight - 1140g/2lbs 8oz
Length overall - 276mm/10 5/6"
Barrel length - 165mm/6 1/2"
Sight base - 240mm/9 7/16"
Trigger - 2 stage, fully adjustable for weight & length of pull.

Conclusion
The HW45 is among the best of the recoiling air pistols available, ever. The rearward moving piston provides firearm type recoil similar to a .22"LR. It is quite powerful for an air pistol and is capable of better than average accuracy. The build quality is excellent; the pistol will last for a Century or two if it is properly maintained and all this has been achieved with such a good-looking package.
 
 

How to make a Pistol Crossbow (full tutorial) Part 1 - Materials and Plans

Below are the plans for the simple pistol crossbow - ready to save and print

Click to enlarge and right click to save

Click to enlarge and right click to save

Click to enlarge and right click to save

Part 1 - Materials and Plans - Scroll down for a detailed video of what materials to buy.

Materials list : 50lb or 80lb draw weight pistol crossbow prod - search Google for places that sell them


Or you can make a pistol prod by cutting handsaw blades into 45cm x 37mm sections using a angle grinder, cut in grooves at the end for the string and tape together in bundles of at least 5 (more details coming soon)
You will also need:

Two plywood boards, 38cm x 19cm  x 12mm  or any wood this size.

One plywood board, 38cm x 19cm  x 3mm  or any wood or material this size.

Two aluminium plates, 7.5cm x 7.5 cm x 10mm , or any hard materials, including hard wood, plastics, other metals (you can use steel, but it will make this a very long hard job)

One aluminium plate 9.5cm x 3.6cm x 5mm or some kind of hardwood this size.

Four aluminium plates 12cm x 5cm x 2mm thick, or you can 3mm plywood for this.

One aluminium plate 11cm x 18mm x 2mm , can be aluminium or tin or steel, must be some kind of bendable metal.

One aluminium plate 15cm x 15mm x 2mm, can be aluminium or tin or steel, must be some kind of bendable metal.

Two Nut and Bolts 4cm long, 5mm thick

One Nut and Bolt 6cm long, 7mm thick.

One Nut and Bolt 25mm long, 3mm thick

At least 20 screws, 25mm long.

One Tension coil spring, 10mm thick or slightly less.

An old butter knife blade or old spoon, to create a "bolt holder"

As far as I can remember this should be all materials need, the video below has a more detailed description,
Part 2  - Tools  - will be coming soon.

 Detailed Video Below - 

My Air Gun / Rifle Collection

My Air Gun Collection - I have been collecting Airguns for about 15 years now, my collection of Air Weapons as of now consists of approx 8 Rifles and 10 Pistols, ranging from very cheap SMK pistols to expensive BSA Rifles and HW45 Pistol worth £250 when i bought it.
I have a very old Webley mark 1 Air Pistol that is probably over 30 or 40 years old, It needs new replacement parts now, however i have made some parts for it , but the real thing would be better,
My current hunting rifles are - BSA Lightning .22 (full U.K Limit - 12ft/lbs) and a Webley Stingray Deluxe .22 (full U.K Limit - 12ft/lbs)
What makes the Webley a Deluxe version? - that fact that it has a Walnut stock and has no holes for open sights
I also have a BSA Mercury .22 which must be 20years old itself, I also own a old ASI (ASI is now Gamo) Paratrooper which i think is from the 70's or maybe even older, most of the old Guns were originally my fathers,
My favourite Pistols are either the HW45 or my Crosman 2240, both of which are close to the u.k legal limit (6ft/lbs)
For more info on my collection view the video below.